Adams responds to Bruton

In response to remarks made by the Taoiseach
John Bruton as reported in the news media, the President of Sinn Fein, Mr. Gerry Adams, said:

``Despite my best efforts to give detailed frank and honest responses to the
questions posed by the Taoiseach he has persisted in dismissing my
responses.

``I have made it clear that I want to see an end to armed struggle, to all
armed actions and to take the gun permanently out of Irish politics. That
is Sinn Fein's commitment''.

``I can't do that on my own. We all have a responsibility to create the
right conditions in which that can happen and a peace settlement can be
built and agreed.

``Sinn Fein is reluctant to get into a public row with the Irish government.
We believe that that is not in the best interests of efforts to restore
the peace process. I have said this both privately and publicly.

``We have never expected the Taoiseach to take up Sinn Fein positions but it
seems he wants us to take up Fine Gael positions. He wants to ask Sinn
Fein questions and then write our responses. This is clearly not the way
to build confidence or engage in a meaningful dialogue.

``The reality is that we each come to this situation from different
perspectives. I am an Irish republican. Sinn Fein wants to see an end to
British rule in Ireland. We know others hold a different view and that
these differences can only be reconciled and a peace settlement achieved
through honest and inclusive dialogue and real negotiations.

``I firmly believe that a peace process can only succeed if it is inclusive
and based on equality.

``Does Mr Bruton? Can a peace process succeed if it excludes a significant
body of opinion?

``Others are now asking, what contribution to rebuilding the peace process
is made by Mr Bruton's current strategy of attacking the Sinn Fein
leadership, of questioning and undermining our commitment to and role in
the search for peace.

``Can he explain how his policy of moving to exclude Sinn Fein is any more
likely to work now than at any time in the past when it failed?

``Does he not accept that as leader of the Irish nation it is his
responsibility to defend the rights of all citizens - even those with whom
he might disagree?

``Where does Mr. Bruton stand on the whole issue of British violence in the
north; its military occupation and claim of sovereignty over a part of
Ireland; to the use of force to push orange marches through nationalist
areas?

``While the focus on the Irish side is now on the differences between Sinn
Fein and the Irish government, the British government has succeeded in
off-loading its responsibilities to an incomplete process of negotiation at
Stormont.

``Nationalists are not surprised when a British government pursues such a
course of action but Mr Bruton has to explain his stance.

``Mr. Bruton must know by now that the British government is not neutral and
that the British government acts only in its own national interests. Mr
Bruton has a responsibility to defend Irish national interests.

``The alternative to armed struggle which was put together at great risk and
against a background of substantially greater conflict and which succeeded
for a time in 1994, requires the collective effort of us all.

``Despite our different political perspectives the building of a viable
peace process must remain our common objective.''